Lozi Lidded Vessel in the Form of a Turtle

A faceted shell, a little head, and a lid that opens.

Lozi artisans of Zambia, East Africa, carved this lidded vessel in the form of a turtle in wood and pigment in the 20th century. Lidded wood bowls in animal form are commonly used in the region to hold food or small valuables. The domed lid is cut into rows of faceted plates, finished in a deep glossy reddish brown with lighter patches. A small head with inset eyes pokes out in front, and four stout legs hold it up. It looks both neat and slightly comic.

About 10.5 inches long. A slow friend for a low table.